BJQLOGY  LIBRARY 


•J3,: 

BIRDS  OF  CHAUTAUaUA  COUNTY 


A     PAPER     READ    HKFORK    THE    <  'II  Al'TA  UQUA    SOCIETY    OF 

HISTORY   AND  NATTRAL  SCIENCE  AT  ITS  SEMI-ANNUAL 

MKETlX(i    1IKLI)    IX   JAMESTOWN,  JANUARY  20,   1885, 


.'Y  M. 


IAMKSTDWX:  <;KO.  jr.  TII-'K.-V  .\  v 


BIRDS  OF  CHAUTAUdUA  COUNTY. 


AN  ADDRESS  DELIVERED  BEFORE  THE  CHAUTAUQUA  SOCIETY 

OF  HISTORY  AND  NATURAL  SCIENCE  AT  ITS  SEMI-ANNUAL 

MEETING  HELD   IN  JAMESTOWN/  JANUARY  20,  1885, 


JOHN.M.  EDSO.A: 

' 


.JAMK.STOW-N  :    (4KO.    H.    TIFFANY. 

1838. 


BIOLOGY 
LIBRARY 


BIRDS  OF  CHAUTAUQUA  COUNTY, 


In  a  paper  of  this  character  it  is  of  course  impossible  to  give  any 
extended  description  of  our  various  species  of  birds,  or  their  habits, 
songs,  plumage,  migration,  nests  and  eggs,  or  to  more  than  touch 
upon  the  numerous  other  interesting  branches  of  the  subject.  I  shall 
endeavor  to  do  little  else  than  present  a  list  of  such  birds  as  have 
actually  come  under  rny  observation  in  the  course  of  considerable 
rambling  about  the  fields  and  forests  of  the  central  part  of  the  county, 
during  several  years  past.  This  will  comprise  just  150  species,  which 
I  think  embraces  all  that  are  in  any  degree  common  in  the  locality 
mentioned.  There  are  a  number  of  other  species  whose  occasional 
presence  is  probable  and  whose  names  could  doubtless  be  safely  added, 
but  having  as  yet  never  actually  met  with  them,  I  prefer  to  wait  till 
I  can  speak  of  them  authoritatively.  This  is  offered  only  in  the 
absence  of  more  complete  data. 

Hylocichla  mustilina,  The  VVood  Thrush  is  a  forest  bird  possessed  of 
a  beautiful  song,  of  which  much  has  been  written,  but  it  is  not  com- 
mon in  this  region. 

If.  mtulata  swainsoni,  The  Olive-backed  Thrush  is  rare. 

//.  unalascac pallosi,  The  Hermit  Thrush  is  common,  and  his  clear 
flute-like  voice  is  familiar  to  every  one  who  has  occasion  to  enter  the 
cool  shade  of  the  forests  in  summer.  It  arrives  in  April. 

Merula  migratoria,  The  Robin  is  undoubtedly  the  most  widely  dis- 
tributed and  abundant  of  our  birds.  It  makes  its  appearance  in 
February  or  March,  depending  upon  the  weather. 

Galeoscoptes  Carolinensis,  The  Catbird  is  a  near  relative  of  the  Mock- 
ingbird and  also  remarkable  for  great  versatility  of  voice,  is  a  common 
summer  resident,  coming  in  the  latter  part  of  April  or  first  of  May. 

I  Tarporleynclms  rufus,  The  Brown  Thrush  or  Thrasher  occasionally 
resides  with  us  during  summer,  but  is  by  no  means  common. 


M144779 


4  BIRDS  OF  CHAUTAUQUA  COUNTY. 

Sialia  sialis,  The  Bluebird,  one  of  the  earliest  spring  arrivals,  is  very 
common.  It  usually  makes  its  appearance  about  the  same  time  as 
the  Robin.  The  Bluebird's  eggs  are  blue,  ordinarily,  though  I  once 
discovered  a  nest  containing  pure  white  ones.  This  is  sometimes 
the  case. 

Regulus  calendula.  The  Ruby-crowned  Kinglet  and  R.  satrapa,  The 
Golden-crowned  Kinglet,  among  the  smallest  of  our  birds,  slightly  ex- 
ceeding the  Hummingbird  in  size,  are  with  us  during  their  migrations 
in  April  and  October. 

Parus  atricapilbis,  The  Black-capped  Titmouse  or  Chickadee,  though 
small  in  size,  has  the  hardihood  to  stay  with  us  during  the  entire  year; 
and  is  frequently  seen  in  the  door-yard. in  cold  weather.  Common. 

Sitta  Carolinensis,  The  White-bellied  Nuthatch  is  common,  most  so 
in  winter.  Its  coat  is  ashy-blue,  black  and  white.  Its  manner  of 
alighting  on  trees  resembles  that  of  the  woodpecker,  though  it  as  often 
stands  head  downward  as  the  reverse. 

S.  canadensis,  The  Red-bellied  Nuthatch  is  a  rare  migrant  in  spring 
and  autumn. 

Certldafamiliarisrufa,  The  Brown  Creeper,  a  migrant,  is  not  common. 

Progfodytes  sedon,  The  House  Wren,  a  well-known  species,  is  com- 
mon, arriving  about  the  middle  of  April. 

Anorthiera  troglodytes  hyemalis,  The  Winter  Wren  is  rare. 

Telmatodytes  palustris,  The  Long  billed  Marsh  Wren,  is  not  common 
except  in  localities. 

The  family  Sylvicolidae.  American  warblers,  is  an  unusually  enter- 
taining group,  containing  a  large  number  of  little  birds  about  the  size 
of  a  Wren  or  slightly  larger  and  resembling  one  another  closely  in 
size,  habits  and  song,  but  presenting  a  great  variety  of  bright  feathers. 
They  are,  with  few  exceptions,  strictly  forest  birds.  To  this  family 
belong  the  next  eighteen  species. 

Mniotilta  varia,  The  Black-and-white  Creeper  occurs  usually  as  a 
migrant,  though  I  have  known  it  to  nest  here. 

Parula  Americana,  The  Blue  Yellow-backed  Warbler  is  rare.  I  have 
seen  it  only  in  spring. 

Dendroica  aestiva,  The  Yellow  Warbler  or  Summer  Yellow  Bird,  the 
best  known  of  the  family,  frequently  builds  its  nest  in  a  lilac  bush  or 
shade  tree  of  the  door-yard,  and  but  that  it  is  a  quiet,  modest,  little 
fellow  might  be  familiar  to  eveiyone.  It  may  be  easity  distinguished 
from  the  other  Yellow  Bird,  the  Thistle  Bird  or  Goldfinch  by  its  lack- 
ing the  undulating  flight  and  the  black  wings  and  crown  of  the  latter, 
and  by  its  activity  and  restlessness.  Its  under  parts  and  the  sides  of 


BIRDS    OF    CHATTATTQUA     COUNTY.  5 

the  head  are  rich  yellow;    the  hack   and   wings  are  olive-green.     It 
MI  rives  in  spring  about  May  1. 

1).  caeridescevs,  The  Black-throated  Blue-Warbler  is  not  uncommon 
as  a.  transient  visitor.  It  readies  this  county  early  in  May. 

1).  corowitn ,  The  Yellow-rump  Warbler  or  Myrtle  Bird  is  common 
as  a  migrant;  and  is  the  earliest  warbler  to  arrive  in  spring  and  lingers 
latest  in  autumn. 

J).  maculosa,  The  Black-and-yellow  Warbler  or  Magnolia  Warbler, 
a  very  beautiful  member  of  this  brilliant  group,  is  with  us  in  large 
numbers  about  the  second  week  of  May.  I  have  seen  the  woods  fairly 
alive  with  them  while  the  other  warblers  seemed  scarce  in  comparison. 
Jt  passes  the  summer  far  to  the  northward,  ordinarily,  though  last 
June  I  discovered  a  nest  of  this  species  containing  three  eggs — a  rare 
privilege. 

I).  PennfryliJanJca^  The  Chestnut-sided  Warbler  is  a  common  resident 
and  may  be  found  during  summer  on  the  outskirts,  rather  than  in  the 
heart  of  the  woods.  Owing  to  its  small  size  ic  is  not  conspicuous.  Its 
song  is  pleasing  though  simple.  It  arrives  early  in  May. 

I).  KlacklmrnMic,  The  Blackburnian  Warbler  is  considered  the 
most  beautiful  of  the  warblers,  and  is  common  as  a  transient  visitor 
in  the  early  part  of  May.  His  plumage  is  a  beautiful  combination 
of  orange  and  black.  I  once  took  a  specimen  on  the  26th  of  June, 
which  1  consider  strong  evidence  of  an  instance  of  its  nesting  here, 
an  unusual  occurrence  in  this  latitude. 

I),  mrow,  The  black-throated  Green  Warbler  is  common  about  the 
first  or  second  week  of  May,  and  I  am  satisfied  occasionally  remains 
with  us  during  the  summer.  As  its  name  indicates,  its  plumage  is 
mostly  olive-green,  except  the  sides  of  the  head,  which  are  yellow, 
and  the  throat  and  breast  which  are  black 

I),  pinus,  The  Pine-creeping  Warbler.  I  have  taken  but  a  single 
autumnal  specimen,  and  owing  to  its  imperfect  plumage  there  may 
be  a  doubt  us  to  its  identity. 

SeiurHs  Attfocapttlwi,  The  Golden-crowned  "Thrush, "or Oven  Bird, 
though  it  is  now  classified  with  the  warblers,  differs  considerably 
from  all  the  others  of  the  family  in  appearance  and  habits.  It  is 
consiberably  larger,  has  a  more  powerful  voice,  and  spends  a  large 
portion  of  its  time  on  the  ground.  It  is  colored  olive-green,  with  a 
white  speckled  breast  and  yellowish  crown.  It  receives  the  name  of 
Oven-Bird  from  its  peculiar  nest,  which  is  constructed  on  the  ground 
and  so  carefully  coverefl  thnt  it  is  very  difficult  to  find.  One  that  I 
found  was  located  in  the  depths  of  the  woods,  near  the  centre  of  a 
smooth  spot  of  ground,  away  from  trees  or  logs  to  protect  it,  find  was 


i\  BIHDS    OF 

observed  only  \vlien  the  bird  darted  out  almost  beneath  my  feet. 
The  nest  was  a  model  of  bird  architecture'  composed  of  leaves  and 
and  grasses  and  roofed  with  a  matting  of  dead  leaves  resembling 
those  that  covered  the  ground,  which  concealed  it  completely.  It 
was  entered  by  a  very  narrow  door-way.  The  song  of  this  bird  is 
peculiar  and  may  be  easily  recognized;  it  consists  of  the  repeated  ut- 
terance of  two  notes,  beginning  very  low  and  rapidly  increasing  in 
volume.  A  common  denizen  of  the  forests  in  summer,  arriving  in 
the  latter  part  of  April. 

S.  acevimiSi  .The  Small-billed  Water  Thrush,  or  "Wagtail,"  is 
somewhat  similar  to  the  last  species  in.  appearance,  except  that  it  is 
somewhat  darker  in  color.  I  have  seen  it  only  about  streams  in 
swamps,  where  it  was  found  running  along  the  muddy  banks  and 
tipping  its  body  and  tail  after  the  peculiar  manner  of  the  sandpipers. 
From  this  habit  it  derives  the  name  of  "Wagtail."  It  is  a  transient 
visitor,  not  common, 

Gcathlypis  Philadelphia,  The  Morning  Warbler,  is  rare. 

Oporornifi  aqilis,  T*he  (Connecticut  Warbler.  I  have  taken  two  or 
three  late  summer  specimens  that  I  have  assigned  to  this  species, 
though,  owing  to  the  fact  that  with  this  family  in  many  cases  the 
coloration  of  the  feathers  is  the  only  distinguishing  character,  and 
that  the  autumnal  plumage  is  very  imperfect,  there  is  room  for  er- 
ror. 

Myiodioctes  m'dratnx,  The  Hooded  Warbler  is  one  of  our  most 
beautiful  as  well  as  the  most  common  warblers.  It  is  olive-green 
above,  yellow  beneath,  tail  marked  with  white;  whole  head  and  neck 
pure  black,  with  a  broad  golden  mask  across  the  forehead  and 
through  the  eyes,  and  as  it  faces  you  its  head  presents  the  appear- 
ance of  being  encased  in  a  black  hood.  According  to  authorities  the 
range  of  this  species  is  limited  and  it  is  nowhere  very  common.  Yet 
it  reaches  this  latitude  and  with  us  is  a  summer  resident  by  no 
means  rare.  It  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  depths  of  the  woods,  where  it 
may  be  frequently  seen  and  more  often  heard.  According  to  my 
observations  it  sings  much  later  in  the  season  than  other  birds,  be- 
ing frequently  heard  after  nearly  all  the  other  birds  have  become  si- 
lent. 

Myiodwcte* pusittiM,  The  Black-capped  yellow  Warbler,  a  migrant, 
is  not  common. 

M.  canadcnxifi.  The  Canadian  Fly-catching  Warbler  is  a  common 
migrant,  and.  I  think,  to  some  extent  a  resident.  Most  common  in 
earlv  Mav. 


BIRDS    OF   I'HAUTAUQUA    COUNT!*.  7 

Sdophat/a  ridiciJlfi,  The  Red-start,  whoso  leathers  present  a  beau- 
tiful combination  of  black  and  orange,  is  a  common  inhabitant  of 
our  woods  in  summer. 

The  familv  Vim  on  las.,  or  Greenlets,  is  composed  of  several  quite 
remarkable  birds  of  small  size,  which,  though  they  .are  clad  in  plain 
colors,  have  pleasing  songs.  Their  range  is  not  limited  to  the  woods 
and  some  of  them  may  frequently  be  heard  among  the  shade  trees 
in  town,  though  owing  to  their  strictly  confining  themselves  to  the 
tree-tops,  and  their  inconspicuous  plumage  they  are  seldom  seen. 
They  all  reach  this  country  early  in  Ma}7. 

Vireosylvia  olivacea,  The  Red-eyed  Vireo  is  the  most  common  of 
the  family.  A  summer  resident, 

V.  f/ilva,  The  Warbling  Vireo  is  also  quite  common  and  a  resi- 
dent. 

Mmivireo  flai?ifrmw,  The  Yellow-throated  Vireo  is  not  very  com- 
mon as  a  migrant  and  still  less  so  as  a  resident. 

L.  M)I/Hnmix,  The  Blue-headed  or  Solitary.  Vireo  is  rare. 

Vireo  novefxrracerims,  The  White-eyed  Vireo  is  a  rare  resident. 

Lanriu^  lorenlix,  The  Great  Northern  Shrike,  or  Butcher-bird,  is 
not  uncommon  in  late  fall  and  early  spring  and  sometimes  all  win- 
ter. 

Ampelis  ccdrorum,  The  Cedar-bird,  Cherry-bird  or  Wax-wing, 
(which  last  name  it  derives  from  the  red  wax-like  appendages  with 
which  certain  feathers  of  the  wing  are  tipped,)  is  a  very  beautiful 
bird.  It  is  a  common  resident,  though  its  habits  are  very  erratic.  It 
is  more  numerous  some  seasons  than  others,  and  arrives  sometimes 
early  in  March  and  lingers  often  till  winter  has  fairh*  set  in. 

Of  the  swallows  we  have  a  greater  variety  than  would  be  sup- 
posed by  persons  unfamiliar  with  them,  who  fail  to  detect  the  differ- 
ence of  species.  We  have  five,  not  including  the  Chimney  "Swal- 
low," which  is  no  swallow,  notwithstanding  its  name.  The  position 
in  which  each  species  builds  its  nest,  is  peculiar  and  characteristic. 

Pro(/nc  ,W)?.s',  The  purple  Martin  is  not  uncommon  in  certain 
localities,  arriving  from  the  South  about  the  first  of  May.  For  its 
nest  it  prefers  a  bird-box. 


hiwifi-aun,  The  Cliff  or  Eave  Swallow  is  very  com- 
mon. The  nest  is  always  placed  under  the  eaves  of  a  barn  or  other 
building. 


8  BIRDS  OF  CHAUTAUQUA  COUNTY. 

ffirdndo  erythroyastra,  The  Barn  Swallow  is  also  very  common. 
Its  nest  is  always  inside  and  usually  attached  to  a  beam  or  rafter  of 
a  barn  or  similar  structure. 

Tachj/ineta  bicolor,  The  White-bellied  Swallow  is  not  common  ex- 
cept locally.  It  nests  in  bird-boxes  like  the  Martin. 

Cotyle  riparia,  The  Bank  Swallow,  Ground  Swallow  or  Sand  Mar- 
tin is  not  uncommon.  Its  nest  is  placed  in  a  hole  several  feet  in 
length,  excavated  by  the  bird,  in  a  bank  of  fresh  earth,  usually  the 
bank  of  a  creek.  The  swallows  all  arrive  about  the  middle  of  'April 
or  a,  little  later. 

Pyrangu  rubra,  The  Scarlet  Tanager,  about  the  size  of  the  blue- 
bird, is  perhaps  our  most  brilliant  forest  bird.  It  is  bright  scarlet  ex- 
cept the  wings  and  tail,  which  are  black.  It  arrives  early  in  May 
and  is  a  summer  resident,  but  not  very  common. 

The  Fringittidae,  or  Finches,  are  a  large  and  interesting  family. 
They  may  be  distinguished  by  their  thick,  strong  bills.  Nearly  all 
of  them  are  singers  of  greater  or  less  ability,  and  many  of  them  are 
among  our  most  delightful  vocalists.  They  are  mostly  birds  of  the 
field,  rather  than  of  the  forest.  As  a  rule  they  are  plainly  colored; 
yet  there  are  marked  exceptions.  I  have  made  the  acquaintance  of 
seventeen  of  them,  as  follows: 

Carpodacns  piirpurens,  The  Purple  Finch,  or  Sin  net,  has  a  very 
vigorously  warbled  song,  which  it  sometimes  pours  forth  almost  un- 
ceasingly for  hours.  It  is  common,  arriving  from  the  South  in 
March. 

A*tragalirnt£  tristis,    The    American    Goldfinch,    Yellow-bird   or 

Thistle-bird,  though  not  much  given  to  rendering  it,  has  a  beautfnl 
song.  Even  his  most  ordinary  notes  have  a  sweetness  and  apparent 
good  nature  that  cannot  fail  to  make  him  a  favorite.  It  usually  ap- 
pears in  April  in  small  numbers,  though  there  is  little  certainty 
about  the  time  of  its  coming.  It  sometimes  remains  nearly  all  win- 
ter. Although  an  early  arrival,  it  does  not  build  its  nest  till  several 
weeks  later  in  the  season  than  other  birds.  As  the  reason  of  this, 
it  has  been  suggested,  that  they  wait  for  the  thistle  sweds,  which 
largely  form  the  diet  of  the  young  birds. 

PlectropJianes  nivalis.  The  Snow  Bunting,  is  a  not  very  common 
winter  visitor. 

Passcrcultis  smidirichcnw'ft  Savanna,  The  Savanna  Sparrow  is  u 
rarely  noticed  though  not  uncommon  species.  With  several  other 
plainly  dressed  little  birds  it  is  carelessly  called  "Ground  Bird"  by  the 
inattentive  observer. 


BIRDS  OF  CHAUTAUQUA  COUNTY.  9 

Poocaetes  gramincus,  The  Grass  Finch,  Bay-winged  Bunting  or 
Vesper  bird  is  the  little  gray  bird  that  is  seen  upon  the  fences  or  run- 
ning along  in  the  dust  of  a  country  road,  and  may  be  recognized  by 
the  lateral  white  tail  feathers  that  are  seen  when  it  flies.  Its  song  is 
remarkably  clear  and  may  be  heard  a  long  distance.  It  is  common, 
arriving  about  the  first  of  April. 

Zonotrickih  Icucophryx,  The  White-crowned  Sparrow,  is  common 
about  the  first  of  May  and  in  October. 

Z.  albicollis,  The  White-throated  Sparrow,  like  the  White-crowned, 
is  a  large,  strong  bird,  and  is  commonly  seen  in  company  with  the 
latter  during  migrations. 

Spizdla  Montana,  The  Tree  Sparrow  may  be  frequently  seen  in 
the  early  and  latter  parts  of  winter. 

S.  domestica,  The  Chipping  Sparrow,  a  well  known  visitor  of  the 
doorstep  arrives  early  in  April  and  is  a  common  resident. 

S.  pusilla,  The  Field  Sparrow  in  appearance  is  scarcely  disting- 
uishable from  the  last  species,  though  it  differs  widely  in  habits  and 
song.  A  common  resident,  reaching  this  locality  early  in  May. 

Junco  hycmalix,  The  Snowbird,  is  white  beneath,  upper  parts  in- 
eluding  breast  dark  slate  color,  and  has  several  white  tail  feather?. 
It  is  a  summer  resident,  though  most  common  early  and  late  in  win- 
ter. 

Melospiza  faxciatd,  The  Song  Sparrow,  perhaps  better  known  by 
the  humbler  appelation  of  "Ground  Bird,"  has  nothing  very  attract- 
ive in  its  appearance,  yet  is  not  without  fame  as  a  musician,.  Its 
song  is  first  heard  about  the  middle  of  March,  and  next  after  those  of 
the  Robin  and  Bluebird.  One  of  our  most  common  birds. 

Passerella  iliaca,  The  Fox-colored  Sparrow  is  a  rather  rare  mi- 
grant. 

Pipilo  erytfiroplithalnius,  The  Chewink  or  Fowler  is  a  quite  com- 
mon summer  resident,  making  its  appearance  about  the  second  week 
of  May. 

Zccmelodia  hidovicictna,  The  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  is  a  very 
handsome  bird,  dressed  in  black  and  white,  with  a  rose- red  breast; 
slightly  smaller  than  the  robin.  It  is  a  fine  singer.  Its  song  bears 
some  resemblance  to  the  Robin's,  and  might  possibly  be  mistaken  for 
itjthough  the  Grosbeak's  is  much  the  richer.  It  is  not  an  uncommon 
inhabitant  of  our  woods  and  groves,  and  it  sometimes  visits  the  shade 
•trees  of  the  villages.  It  is  first  seen  about  the  second  week  of  May. 

Passcrina  cyauc-a,  The  Indigo  Bird  or  Bunting,  is  found  on  the 
outskirts  of  the  woods  and  among  the  bushes  of  the  pasture  lands. 
It  need  not  be  confounded  with  the  bluebird,  for  it  is  not  larger  than 


10  BIRDS    OF    CHAUTAUQUA    COUNTY. 

the  Goldfinch  and  nearly  its  entire  plumage   is   dark  blue.     It   ar- 
rives about  the  second  week  of  May  and  is  common. 

Passer  domesticus,  The  English  Sparrow,  is  one  of  the  very  few 
European  species  that  have  been  successfully  introduced  into  this 
country.  Indeed,  it  is  now  thought  that  this  enterprising  little  for- 
eigner has  attained  more  than  his  share  of  success,  and  like  the  Chi- 
naman he  is  no  longer  a  welcome  citizen.  I  am  unable  to  say  when 
this  bird  first  took  up  its  residence  in  ChauUuqua  county.  It  was 
first  seen  in  Sinclairville  in  1879.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that 
the  Sparrow  is  a  perennial  resident  and  very  abundant. 

We  have  eight  members  of  the  Starling  family: 

Dolichonyx  oryzivorus,  The  Bobolink  appears  about  the  first  week 
of  May  and  is  common.  His  dress  of  black  and  white  is  exchanged 
about  the  first  of  August  for  one  of  yellowish  brown,  after  which  the 
noisy,  good  natured  Bobolink  becomes  a  silent,  restless  Reedbird  or 
Ricebird,  and  his  best  friend  scarcely  knows  him. 

Molothrus  ater,  The  Cowbird,  so  named  from  its  seeking  the  so- 
ciety of  cattle,  is  not  uncommon.  It  is  about  the  size  of  the  Bluebird, 
its  body  dusky  and  head  glossy  brown.  It  never  builds  a  nest,  but  is 
noted  for  the  scandalous  practice  of  depositing  its  eggs  in  the  nests 
of  other  birds. 

Agelaius phoeniceus,  The  Red-winged  Black-bird,  is  a  common 
resident,  appearing  about  the  middle  of  March. 

Sturnellamagua,  The  Meadow  Lark  is  a  common  resident  during 
summer,  and  is  occasionally  seen  in  mid- winter. 

Icterus  spurius,  The  Orchard  Oriole  is  rare. 

/.  galbula,  The  Baltimore  Oriole,  attired  in  orange  and  black,  is  a 
very  noticeable  bird.  Its  voice  is  loud  and  piping,  and  its  song 
varies  with  the  season.  It  is  remarkable  for  architectural  skill,  build- 
ing a  very  ingenious  pensile  nest.  It  is  common  in  summer,  coming 
early  in  May. 

Scolecophagus ferruginens,  The  Rusty  Blackbird,  is  a  migrant, 
with  us  about  the  first  of  April. 

Quiscalus purpureus,  The  Purple  Grakle  or  Crow  Blackbird,  is  a 
common  resident,  arriving  in  March, 

Corvm  frugivorus,  The  Crow  is  common,  during  summer  and  re- 
mains with  us  during  mild  winters. 

Cyanocitta  cristata,  The  Blue  Jay  is  common  in  localities  through- 
out the  year. 

Kremophila  alpestris,  The  Shore  Lark  is  occasionally  found  at  all 
seasons,  but  is  not  common. 


BIRDS  OF  CHAUTAUQUA  COUNTY.  II 

Tyrannm  (Jarolinemis,  The  Kingbird,  arrives  about  the  first  of 
May,  and  is  common  during  summer. 

Myiarchus  crinitns,  The  Great  Crested  Flycatcher,  is  a  not  very 
common  resident. 

Sayornis fuscus,  The  Phoebe  Bird  appears  early  in  April,  and  is 
a  common  resident. 

Oontopu*  virens.  The  Wood  Pewee,  is  a  common  summer  resident, 
reaching  tins  country  in  April. 

Empidonax  acadicns,  The  Acadian  Fly  catcher  is  rare. 

E.  minimus,  The  Least  Flycatcher  or  Chebec  is  common  during 
summer,  arriving  about  the  first  of  May. 

Trochilus  colul/ris,  The  Ruby-throated  Hummingbird,  is  first  seen 
about  the  second  week  of  May  and  is  common  in  summer. 

Chaetura  pdasgica,  The  Chimney  Swift,  or  Swallow,  appears  in 
the  latter  part  of  April,  and  is  common  till  October.  It  is  tireless  on 
the  wing  and  never  alights  except  in  chimneys  or  other  dark  reces- 
ses and  in  such  its  nest  is  placed. 

Caprimulqus  vociferous,  The  Whip-poor-will  is    rare. 

Chordeilcs  Popetue,  The  Night  hawk,  comes  from  the  south  in 
May  and  is  not  uncommon  during  summer.  The}7  may  be  seen  in 
large  numbers  about  the  first  of  September. 

The  Woodpeckers  form  a  strongly  marked  group,  all  bearing  a 
resemblance  to  each  other  in  appearance  and  habits.  Their  plum- 
age as  a  rule  presents  bright  colors;  their  voices  are  harsh  and  un- 
musical. The  nests  are  ajways  placed  in  holes  excavated  by  the 
birds  in  trees.  We  have  at  least  eight  species. 

Picux  vittosm,  The  Hairy  Woodpecker,  is  with  us  throughout  the 
year;  not  uncommon. 

P.  pubescens.  The  Downy  Woodpecker,  is  almost  exactly  like  the 
last,  except  in  size,  being  smaller;  and  is  also  more  or  less  common 
during  the  entire  year,  though  perhaps  more  noticeable  in  winter. 

P.  arcticm,  The  Black-backed  Three-toed  Woodpecker  is  a  rare 
winter  visitor.  I  took  my  first  and  only  specimen  on  the  29th  day 
of  last  December. 

tfphyrapicus  vari-us,  The  Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker  is  a  regular 
spring  and  autumn  visitor,  to  be  found  in  April  and  October. 

IfylatomuA  pilatus,  The  Pileated  Woodpecker,  or  Log  Cock,  is  the 
largest  of  the  family,  nearly  equaling  the  crow  in  size,  is  always  to 
be  found  in  spring  and  fall,  and  sometimes  spends  the  summer  in 
(his  region. 

Cent  art  is  Qirol-inufi,  The  Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker,  is  a  not  com- 
mon migrant. 


12  BIRDS    OF    CHAUTAUQUA    COUNTY. 

Melanerpcs  crythrocephalus,  The  Red  -headed  Woodpecker,  a  very 
beautiful  and  common  species,  is  to  be  found  throughout  the  year. 

Colaptes  auratus,  The  Golden-Wing  Woodpecker,  FlickeV,  Yel- 
lowha  miner  or  High-hole,  is  probably  the  handsomest  and  most 
abundant  of  the  tribe.  It  is  a  summer  resident  only,  arriving  early 
in  April. 

Ceryle  alcyon,  The  Belted  Kingfisher  is  common  about  lakes  and 
watercourses.  It  is  most  numerous  in  summer  but  is  frequently 
seen  in  the  severest  winter  weather. 

Coccygus eryihropliihalmus,  The  Black-billed  Cuckoo  comes  from 
the  south  about  the  middle  of  May,  and  is  quite  common  during 
summer. 

Strix nebulosa,  The  barred  Owl  is  not  very  common. 

Scops  asio,  The  Screech  Owl,  is  not  uncommon. 

Riibo  Virginianus,  The  Great  Horned  Owl  is  not  very  common. 

Nyctea  scandiaca,  The  Snowy  Owl  is  seen  only  occasionally  in 
winter. 

Falco  peregrinus  naevius,  The  Peregrine  Falcon  or  Duck  Hawk, 
is  rare. 

Aesalon  columbarius,  The  Pigeon  Hawk,  is  rare. 

Tinnunculus  sparverivs,  The  Sparrow  Hawk  is  common  in  cer- 
tain localities  during  summer.  It  seems  to  have  a  preference  for 
particular  fields  or  nesting  places  and  resides  there  regularly  every 
season  for  years.  This  beautiful  little  hawk  is  the  smallest  of  the 
family,  and  the  only  one  whose  plumage  is  at  all  gaudy. 

Circus  Hudsouws,  The  Maish  Hawk,  or  Harrier,  is  a  rare  sum- 
mer resident. 

Accipiter  cooperi,  The  Cooper's  Hawk  is  not  common. 

A.fuscus,  The  Sharp-shinned  Hawk,  is  not  uncommon. 

Buteo  borealis,  The  Ked-tailed  Hawk,  or  Hen  Hawk,  with  the 
next  species,  is  a  very  powerful  bird.  It  is  not  rare  as  a  resident 
during  summer. 

B.  lineatus,  The  Red-shouldered  Hawk,  resembles  the  preceding 
species  in  size  and  habits,  and  is  also  quite  common. 

B.  Pennsyhmnicus,  The  Broad-winged  Hawk  is  rare. 

Jfaliaelus,  leucoceplialus,  The  Bald  Eagle  or  Gray  Eagle  is  not 
uncommon  about  Chautauqua  lake  during  its  migrations. 

Kdopistes  migrator  ia,  The  Passenger  Pigeon,  was  formerly  very 
numerous  in  this  region,  but  is  now  not  common. 

Zenaldiira  Carolinenxix,  The  Mourning  Dove  or  Turtle  Dove  is 
frequently  a  summer  resident  in  certain  localities. 

Bonasa  umbellus,  The  Ruffled  Grouse  or  Partridge  is  not  migra- 
tory and  is  more  or  less  common  throughout  the  county. 

I  have  not  been  able  to  make  extensive  investigations  concern- 
ing the  wading  birds,  but  will  mention  such  as  I  have  met  with. 


BIRDS  OF  CHAUTAUQUA  COUNTY.  13 

Ardean  erodias,  The  Great  Blue  Heron,  is  not  uncommon.  It  ar- 
rives about  the  first  of  April  and  remains  sometimes  till  December. 
By  many  persons  it  is  mistaken  for  the  sandhill  crane,  which  it 
much  resembles  in  appearance.  I  have  never  seen  the  crane. 

Butorides  virescens,  The  Green  Heron,  is  common  about  Chau- 
tauqua  Lake  during  summer. 

Botaurus  lentiginosus,  The  American  Bittern,  is  not  very  com- 
mon. I  have  met  with  it  most  frequently  in  Spring  and  fall. 

Squatarola  helvetica,  The  Black-bellied  Plover,  is  rare. 

Charadrius  dominicus,  The  Golden  plover  is  rarely  seen  in  the 
central  part  of  the  County. 

Oxyechus  vociferous,  The  Kill-deer  Plover,  a  very  handsome 
bird,  is  common  in  localities,  during  summer.  It  reaches  this  lati- 
tude usually  in  April. 

Philohela  minor,  The  Woodcock,  a  well  known  favorite  of  the 
sportsmen,  is  not  uncommon.  It  is,  however,  more  numerous  some 
seasons  than  others. 

.  Gallinago  media  wilsoni,  The  Wilson's  Snipe  also  stands  high  in 
the  estimation  of  the  sportsmen,  and  is  more  or  less  common  in 
April  and  October. 

Totanus  meanolcucus,  The  Greater  Yellow-legs,  is  rare. 

T.  Flavipes,  The  Yellow-legs  is  not  common. 

Pehyacophilus  solitaries,  The  Solitary  Sandpiper  is  rare. 

Tringoidcs  •macularlus,  The  Spotted  Sandpiper,  known  as  "  Tip- 
up,"  "Teeter-tail,"  etc.,  is  common  about  all  water-courses,  appearing 
in  April. 

Rallus  Virqinianus,  The  Virginia  Hail  is  frequently  seen  in  ear- 
ly fall. 

Porzana  Carolina,  The  Sora  Rail  occurs  like  the  last,  though  per- 
haps more  numerously. 

Fulica  Americana,  The  Coot  is  not  very  common. 

The  swimmers,  with  one  or  two  exceptions,  are  to  be  found  in 
this  region  only  during  their  migrations  in  spring  and  autumn. 
Then  they  are  more  or  less  common  on  all  our  lakes  and  streams. 
It  is  difficult  to  ascertain  correctly  the  relative  abundance  of  the  dif- 
ferent species.  I  will  give  simply  the  result  of  my  experience. 

Olor  Americanus,  The  American  Swan,  is  rare. 

Bernicla  canadensis,  The  Canada  Goose  is  not  uncommon. 

Auas  Boschas,  The  Mallard  is  quite  common^  I  have  sometimes 
seen  it  in  winter. 

Auas  Obscura,  The  Dusky,  or  Black  Duck,  is  also  quite  com- 
mon and  is  frequently  seen  throughout  the  winter,  wherever  there 
is  open  water  to  be  found. 

Dafila  acuta,   The  Pintail  is  not  very  common. 


14  BIRDS    OF    CliAUTAUQUA    COUNTY. 

Mereca  penelope,  The  Widgeon  is  not  uncommon. 

Querquedula  discors,  The  Blue-winged  Teal  is  quite  common. 

Nettion  carolinensis,    The  Green-winged  Teal  is  not  uncommon. 

Aix  sponsa,  The  Wood  Duck,  a  .very  beautiful  bird,  is  quite  com- 
mon in  spring  and  fall  and  to  some  extent  throughout  the  summer. 

Ftdix  marila,  The  Scaup  Duck,  or  Bluebill,  is  not  uncommon. 

F.  affinis,  The  Little  Black-head,  or  Little  Bluebill,  is  not  very 
common. 

Aethyia  Americana,  The  Red-head  is  common. 

Clangula  glancium  Americana,  The  Golden-eye  or  Whistler,  j  is 
common. 

C.  Albeola,  The  Butter-ball,  or  Buffle  head,  is  common. 

Harelda  glaiolis,  The  Long  Tailed  Duck,  Old  Squaw  or  Cow- 
een,  is  not  very  common. 

Melanetta  fusca,  The  Velvet  Scoter,  is  not  very  common. 

Erismatura  rubida,  The  Ruddy  Duck,  is  not  uncommon 

Mergus  merganser  Americanus,  The  Merganser  or  Shell-drake,  is 
quite  common  during  winter  about  streams  where  the  current  keeps 
the  water  from  freezing. 

Sophodytes  cucidlatus,  The  Hooded  Merganser,  is  common. 

Laurinus  marinus,  The  Great  Black-backed  Gull,  is  rare.  I 
have  seen  it  only  on  Lake  Erie. 

L.  argantatus,  The  Herring  Gull,  is  not  uncommon. 

L.  Philadelphia,  The  Bonaparte's  Gull,  is  the  smallest  and  most 
common  gull. 

Podilymbus  podiceps,  The  Thick-billed  Grebe,  or  dipper,  is  com- 
mon. 

Colymbus  torquatus,  The  Loon,  is  not  very  common. 

With  the  encroachments  of  civilizations  upon  the  forests,  doubt- 
less some  species  of  birds  have  diminished  in  numbers,  and  some 
disappeared  altogether,  while  many  others  have  increased  in  abund- 
ance. This  is  a  very  interesting  subject  for  investigation,  but  owing 
to  the  want  of  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  birds  by  the  average  ob- 
server,— the  same  with  the  early  settlers  as  at  the  present  day — it  is 
difficult,  in  many  cases,  to  obtain  reliable  data.  An  acquaintance  ' 
with  the  influences  which  govern  the  distribution  of  the  birds  is, 
perhaps,  more  useful  in  solving  these  problems. 

However,  I  am  reliably  informed  that  the  Quail,  (Ortyx  Virgin- 
anus,}  was  formerly  to  be  found  in  this  county  and  was  not  entirely 
extinct  until  a  quite  recent  date.  The  wild  Field  Turkey,  (Meleagris 
gallopavo  Americana,)  was  also  occasionally  met  with  by  the  early  in- 
habitants, but  I  am  inclined  to  think  was  never  very  common. 


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LD  21-100m-7,'40 (6936s) 


Pamphlet 

Binder 
Gaylord  Bros..  Inc. 

St-ckton,  Calif. 
T.  M.  Reg.  U.S.  Pat.  Off. 


M144779 


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